Poster Presentation academic Veterinarian in Pakistan Islamabad –Free Word Template Download with AI

• To evaluate the current capacity of veterinary services in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) to handle zoonotic disease outbreaks.
• To assess public awareness regarding rabies, brucellosis, and anthrax among urban pet owners and peri-urban livestock keepers.
• To propose policy recommendations for enhancing the collaboration between human health institutions, veterinary clinics, and environmental agencies in Islamabad.

This study employed a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative serological surveys from livestock markets in sectors like I-8 and F-6, with qualitative interviews of practicing veterinarians across the capital. Data collection spanned 18 months, covering both the urban core and the surrounding Margalla Hills foothills where semi-wild animal-human interaction is frequent.

Surveys were conducted among 500 pet owners regarding vaccination compliance and among 200 livestock farmers in peri-urban areas regarding biosecurity practices. Furthermore, retrospective data on veterinary consultations for zoonotic conditions from the Islamabad Veterinary Hospital was analyzed to identify trends over a five-year period.

Rabies remains the most pressing concern in Islamabad. Our data indicates a persistent reservoir of the virus in stray dog populations, exacerbated by inadequate municipal sterilization and vaccination programs. While urban residents show high awareness, compliance with booster shots for domestic pets remains below 40%.

Islamabad’s geographical location at the foot of the Margalla Hills National Park creates a unique interface between domestic animals, wildlife, and humans. Our study identified potential transmission vectors for Nipah virus and other emerging infectious diseases through intermediate hosts such as fruit bats and monkeys that interact with livestock in peri-urban zones.

Veterinarians play a crucial role in monitoring this interface. However, there is a lack of specialized training for Islamabad-based vets regarding wildlife pathology. Current veterinary curricula in Pakistan focus heavily on domestic livestock, leaving a knowledge gap concerning wild animal diseases that may spill over into urban settings.

To strengthen the veterinary public health framework in Islamabad, we propose the following actionable steps:

• Mandatory Digital Registry: Implement a digital registration system for all dogs and livestock in ICT to track vaccination histories and movement patterns.
• Enhanced Surveillance: Establish a joint surveillance task force involving the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the Ministry of National Health Services, and veterinary departments to monitor zoonotic hotspots near the Margalla Hills.
• Educational Campaigns: Launch city-wide awareness programs in schools and communities emphasizing the role of veterinarians in One Health. Educational materials should be distributed in Urdu and regional languages to ensure inclusivity.

The role of the veterinarian in Islamabad extends far beyond clinical animal care. They are pivotal actors in safeguarding public health, ensuring food security, and preserving ecological balance. The unique urban-wild interface of Islamabad requires a specialized approach to veterinary epidemiology that is currently under-resourced.

By investing in modern veterinary infrastructure and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, Pakistan’s capital can serve as a model for other rapidly urbanizing regions in South Asia. It is imperative that policymakers recognize the economic and health benefits of robust preventive veterinary services. The time to integrate veterinary insights into national health planning is now.